lead to
phr. v.. B1 Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to cause something to happen or result in something.
phr. v.. to cause an event or outcome; transitive, typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the resulting situation.
The accident led to a lawsuit.
The new policy led to increased productivity in the company.
The discovery of penicillin led to a revolution in medical treatment.
Usage
typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the result.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'cause' (more direct) and 'result in' (more formal); 'lead to' implies a causal relationship over time.